05/07/2017: Mayor Mashaba pays tribute to world renowned Trumpeter, Johnny Mekoa
I would like to extend heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of world renowned Trumpeter and Head of Gauteng Music Academy, Mr Johnny Mekoa.
Mr Mekoa, who passed away on Monday, founded the Gauteng Music Academy at the dawn of our democratic dispensation in 1994, which focused on teaching jazz music to the community, especially young people from impoverished backgrounds.
The Gauteng Music Academy has produced many celebrated artists such as Malcolm Jiyane, Mthunzi Mvubu, Mpho Mabogoane, Nthabiseng Mokoena and Linda Tshabalala, to mention but a few. He worked hard to ensure that it grew into a globally respected centre of jazz excellence.
Mr Mekoa was himself denied the opportunity to study music because he was black during the apartheid era. Despite this, he lived out his passion by selflessly ensuring that no black child was denied the same.
In 2015, the South African Presidency conferred him with the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver, an award for South African citizens who have excelled in arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sports.
He was an exceptional musician, scholar and teacher, passionate about imparting his knowledge and skills to children from poor backgrounds and a true leader. He truly lived out the ideal of Ubuntu.
A father to the fatherless, his legacy will live on in the lives of all he touched.
May his soul rest in peace.
Cllr Herman Mashaba
Executive Mayor
City of Joburg
For further information, please contact:
Karabo Tledima
Media Specialist in the Private Office of the Executive Mayor
City of Johannesburg
Tel: 011 407 7523
Cellular: 061 794 3819
Email: karabot@joburg.org.za
